What Is 2022 Florida Atlantic Owls football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 9–4 record under head coach Willie Taggart. They competed in Conference USA and won the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl with a 52–28 victory over Memphis.

Key Facts

The 2022 Florida Atlantic Owls finished the season with a 9–4 overall record
Head coach Willie Taggart led the team in his third season at the helm
The Owls played in Conference USA before transitioning to the American Athletic Conference in 2023
Quarterback Jordan Larsen started most games after transferring from Utah State
FAU won the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl, defeating Memphis 52–28 on December 20, 2022

Overview

The 2022 Florida Atlantic Owls football season marked a pivotal year for the program as it prepared for a conference transition. Competing in Conference USA, the team achieved a 9–4 overall record under head coach Willie Taggart, showcasing a high-powered offense and improved defensive consistency.

FAU's performance culminated in a dominant bowl victory, signaling a resurgence after a few down years. The season also served as a bridge to the American Athletic Conference, which the Owls officially joined in 2023, elevating their competitive landscape.

Record: The Owls finished the 2022 season with a 9–4 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in Conference USA play, marking a significant improvement from previous seasons.
Head Coach:Willie Taggart was in his third year leading the program and guided the team to its first bowl victory since 2014, reinforcing his rebuilding efforts.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 35.2 points per game, ranking them among the top third of FBS programs in scoring, fueled by a balanced rushing and passing attack.
Defensive Turnaround: After struggling defensively in 2021, the 2022 unit improved to allow just 24.8 points per game, a drop of over seven points per game.
Bowl Game: FAU won the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl on December 20, defeating Memphis 52–28, one of the most lopsided victories in the bowl’s history.

How It Works

The 2022 season exemplified how a mid-major program can leverage coaching continuity, transfer portal additions, and strong recruiting to rebound from previous struggles. Each component of the team’s operation contributed to a successful campaign.

Transfer Portal Strategy:Jordan Larsen, a transfer quarterback from Utah State, started 10 games and threw for 2,173 yards and 17 touchdowns, stabilizing the offense.
Running Game:Anthony Pipkin emerged mid-season, rushing for 738 yards and 8 touchdowns on 5.7 yards per carry, providing balance to the attack.
Defensive Coordinator: Under Corey Batoon, the defense improved in third-down conversion rate, dropping from 48% in 2021 to 36.2% in 2022.
Special Teams: Kicker Massimo Maynard converted 18 of 22 field goals, including a long of 51 yards, giving FAU reliable scoring in close games.
Home Field Advantage: At FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, the Owls went 5–1, with strong fan support contributing to a disruptive environment for opponents.
Bowl Eligibility: FAU became bowl-eligible by defeating UAB 49–35 in November, securing their sixth win and qualifying for postseason play.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2022 Florida Atlantic Owls compared to key Conference USA peers and their own recent performance:

Team	Overall Record	C-USA Record	Points Per Game	Bowl Result
Florida Atlantic	9–4	5–3	35.2	W, 52–28 (vs. Memphis)
Western Kentucky	8–5	5–3	32.1	L, 23–45 (vs. Minnesota)
UTSA	8–5	5–3	33.8	W, 38–31 (vs. Troy)
UAB	7–6	5–3	30.5	L, 17–37 (vs. BYU)
FAU 2021	5–7	3–5	24.6	No bowl

The table highlights FAU’s improvement over both conference rivals and their own 2021 performance. Their 9–4 record was the best since 2019, and their offensive output led the group. The decisive bowl win further underscored their momentum heading into the AAC transition.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was a turning point for Florida Atlantic football, restoring credibility and setting the stage for future success in a more competitive conference. The team’s achievements resonated beyond the field, influencing recruiting, fan engagement, and program visibility.

Conference Transition: The strong season helped FAU enter the American Athletic Conference in 2023 with momentum, improving their national profile.
Recruiting Boost: A winning season and bowl victory enhanced the program’s appeal, helping secure a top-50 recruiting class in 2023.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, including true freshman linebacker D’Mitri Emmanuel, who recorded 68 tackles.
Financial Impact: Bowl revenue and increased ticket sales contributed to a projected $2.1 million boost in athletic department revenue.
Coaching Validation: Taggart’s leadership was reaffirmed, silencing earlier criticism and earning him a contract extension through 2027.
Program Legacy: The season reestablished FAU as a competitive force, reminding fans of the 2007 Super Eagle era and sparking optimism for the future.